Robert Ludlum is famous for his espionage and international terrorist novels and - in more recent years - the Jason Bourne series of movies. "Trevayne" was one of Ludlum’s earlier novels, written in 1973... but it is as relevant today as the day it was first published under Ludlum’s pseudo-name, Jonathan Ryder.

In this government conspiracy thriller, Andrew Trevayne is selected by a powerful group of Washington leaders to head up a sub-committee to investigate possible fraud and corruption in the United States Department of Defense. The suspense begins immediately when the reader comes to realize most of the members of the sub-committee have no intention of cooperating in the investigation and will go to any extent to prevent exposing the truth. But Trevayne is a man of honor and integrity and, despite threats, subtle warnings, and suspicious accidents that result in the death of at least one member of the sub-committee, fearing for his own life, he preservers.

As the plot unfolds, Trevayne is exposed to horrifying secrets and astounding discoveries. Peeling away the layers of concealment, everything leads to Genessee Corporation, the largest government defense contractor in the country... think of Halliburton and Dick Cheney in terms of size, power, and controversy. Add to that, the Mafia and a “council of the elite” that involves a conspiracy to manipulate decisions made at the highest levels of the government.

Similar to all Robert Ludlum’s heros, Trevayne must figure out a way to out-maneuver and manipulate his way through a maze of intrigue, subterfuge, and numerous life threatening situations. This is not the best of Ludlum’s work. He hadn’t yet perfected his amazing technique of heart pounding drama, but never-the-less, it is an entertaining novel. ( )

This is another great novel by Ludlum. The complex and intricate web Ludlum weaves is a reflection of genius. This novel is exciting as an idea - that there is a conspiratorial organization that controls the government - and in its execution.Details, phrases, and situations certainly date this novel However, it was interesting to reflect on this "historical" time-period that was actually quite recent and played a big-part in our current socio-economic status. ( )

Wikipedia in English

Brilliant, fearless, incorruptible, Andrew Trevayne was a self-made millionaire at thirty-five, former Undersecretary of State, current head of one of the nation's most prestigious foundations. Now, at the express wish of the president, Trevayne undertakes an investigation into the "secret government"—and is swept up in a tidal wave of intrigue and danger beyond the corridors of official power...into a nightmare maze where Mafia leaders and billionaires mingle...where Congress and even the presidency itself can be bought and sold. Here, in this sizzling world of mystery, seduction, and betrayal...where his family's survival and his own hinge on a hair trigger...where sinister forces are poised to exact a chilling conspiracy...here, a man like Trevayne can become a dreaded enemy, a duped pawn—or a king.